Abigail
The Baroque religious paintings of Sir Peter Paul Rubens are full of drama, movement, and color. The biblical narrative of Abigail and David is found in 1 Samuel 25 and recounts the story of a wise and brave woman who takes matters into her own hands and saves the lives of many people. This painting represents the climax of the story where Abigail intercepts David and his military on their way to obliterate her household due to her husband's foolish behavior. Abigail, her servants, and members of her household gather and present David and his soldiers with bounteous gifts of food and provisions. Abigail kneels in reverance before the king as she gestures toward her gifts. Behind Abigail, another woman kneels with hands clasped in supplication, hinting at the seriousness of the situation.